Appeal target is smashed

A YEAR of fundraising ended with a bang as a charity auction raised more than £1,000 at the weekend.

During the last 12 months, various events have been organised in order to help raise £10,000 for Helping Hands – a charity which fundraises on behalf of Sudbury Resource Centre.

Many businesses and groups from the town have lent their support to the cause and, on Saturday, a party celebrating its success was held at AFC Sudbury’s MEL Group Stadium.

An auction with celebrity gifts, including a signed Manchester United football shirt, the chance to enjoy afternoon tea at the House of Lords and a signed picture from the cast of Eastenders, helped push the campaign’s total past its target.

Marion Corner, manager at the centre which supports more than 60 adults with learning disabilities, said she was delighted the £10,000 figure had been reached.

“I never thought we would get there when we first launched the appeal,” she said.

“But the support we’ve received has been amazing and, even though people are struggling and money is tight, the generosity of the people of Sudbury has been fantastic.”

Events run throughout the campaign included quiz nights, books sales and a Hallowe’en disco.

The money collected is to be put towards building a cafe in the courtyard of the charity on the Chilton Industrial Estate.